Behavioral Challenges Therapy for Children & Teens
Understanding the "Why" Behind Challenging Behaviors
When children display challenging behaviors, they're often communicating something they don't have the words or emotional awareness to express. As both a registered associate marriage and family therapist and mother of three San Francisco teenagers, I understand how disruptive and stressful behavioral issues can be for the entire family. My approach focuses on uncovering the underlying needs driving behaviors while providing practical, effective strategies that work in real family life.
Children's behavioral challenges rarely exist in isolation – they're often connected to issues like anxiety, ADHD, sleep problems, or responses to life transitions. By addressing the root causes rather than just the symptoms, we can create lasting positive change for your child and restore harmony to your home.
Ready to transform challenging behaviors into opportunities for growth? Book a free 15-minute consultation to discuss how we can work together to support your child and family.
Common Behavioral Challenges in Children & Teens
Behavioral challenges can take many forms across different developmental stages:
For younger children: Tantrums, aggression, defiance, difficulty following directions
For school-age children: Disruptive classroom behavior, homework refusal, sibling conflicts
For tweens and teens: Argumentativeness, rule-breaking, withdrawal, risk-taking behaviors
Some children may display more persistent patterns that may indicate conditions such as Oppositional Defiance or challenges with impulsivity. Others may be responding to specific stressors like academic stress, divorce, or other family changes.
My Approach to Behavioral Therapy
My therapeutic approach to behavioral challenges combines several evidence-based methodologies:
Functional behavioral assessment: Identifying the triggers and purposes of challenging behaviors
Collaborative problem-solving: Working with children to develop skills to meet their needs appropriately
Positive behavior support: Creating systems that reinforce desired behaviors
Parent-child relationship enhancement: Strengthening connections and communication
Cognitive behavioral techniques: Helping children recognize and manage the thoughts and emotions that drive behaviors
Skills training: Teaching self-regulation, frustration tolerance, and social skills
As both a therapist and mother of three teenagers, I bring professional expertise and practical understanding to our work together. I know what strategies are realistic to implement in busy family life and the unique challenges San Francisco families face.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Behavioral Therapy
Consider reaching out if your child displays:
Behaviors that interfere with family functioning or academic success
Difficulty regulating emotions, resulting in frequent outbursts
Persistent defiance or opposition to reasonable requests
Aggression toward siblings, peers, or adults
School behavioral problems that affect learning
Behaviors that limit social connections
Increased family conflict due to behavioral issues
Supporting Parents Through Behavioral Challenges
Parents are the most important agents of change in their children's lives. Through our work together, I'll help you:
Understand the function and meaning behind challenging behaviors
Develop consistent, effective responses to difficult behaviors
Create home structures and routines that support positive behavior
Strengthen your relationship with your child even during challenging times
Practice self-care strategies to maintain your own well-being
For parents seeking additional support, I also offer specialized parent coaching sessions focused on behavioral management strategies.
Begin Your Family's Journey to Harmony
Behavioral challenges can be overwhelming, but with the right support, they can become opportunities for growth, learning, and deeper family connection. As both a registered assiciate marriage and family therapist and mother of three teenagers here in San Francisco, I bring professional knowledge and real-world understanding to our therapeutic relationship.
Contact me today for a free 15-minute consultation to discuss how we can work together to help your child develop more positive behaviors and restore peace to your home.
